On The Water's Edge

I leave tomorrow for Belgium, exhibition opening on Friday. Then I'll spend several days meeting friends in Spain: San Sebastian, Bilbao, Burgos, Madrid, Toledo, and maybe Granada. I'll update the blog as time and access permits. Bon voyage and adios!

Walk On Water - Master Watercolors

I have two new friends in Belgium who have generously devoted space on their blogs to my work, in connection with the upcoming exhibition in Seneffe.

Catherine De Ryck has a fascinating watercolor blog, Walk On Water, that is well worth bookmarking. An award-winning professional artist with a very fine technique and eye for detail, she is influenced by Roland Palmaerts, and is well-acquainted with contemporary painters of note. Catherine also has a serious interest in the development of modern art materials, and mixed media approaches to watercolor.

Paul Scorpion has been running the Master Watercolors blog for a few years, highlighting a number of famous and respected artists. I've discovered some fantastic painters of the past and present I didn't know about thanks to him, including one of my current faves, José Parlá. Paul is an accomplished painter himself, and I expect one of these days he'll get talked into featuring himself on his own blog!

Thank you Catherine and Paul, and I look forward to meeting you both at the opening!

Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibition 2010

Much to my surprise, an invitation arrived from the Chinese government to join mega-heroes Guan Wei Xing and Ong Kim Seng on the jury of this new international exhibition, taking place in conjunction with the 2010 World Expo. I've longed to meet those two incredible masters, and never dreamed it would come about like this. It's probably the biggest honor I've received in watercolor, and I've also been asked to display an "American Nicholas Simmons painting"! I'll go over in March for the selection process, and then again in April for the opening.


Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibition website.

Ong Kim Seng and Guan Wei Xing

Wayne Roberts - l' Art de l' Aquarelle

The second issue of l'Art de l' Aquarelle is coming out soon with an article about Wayne Roberts. I was honored to write for that feature a small tribute, translation below. This issue will be entirely in French, but after that there will be an English version of the magazine available.

When I got back into watercolor six years ago, I spent a lot of time scouring the Internet to learn what had happened during my absence, and who was doing what. It didn’t take me long to discover Wayne Roberts, and when I did, it was something of an epiphany. Here was an artist who was pushing the limits of the medium, not just technically, but even more importantly, in terms of imagination and creativity. He seemed to be able to paint any subject in virtually any style, abstract to representational, at the highest levels. Rather than settling into one comfortable, formulaic approach -- a trap that countless artists succumb to -- he was “all over the map,” and in a way that suggested not superficiality, but rather, profound breadth. I revere this quality because to me the finest artists are explorers. Wayne is a tireless explorer who has blazed trails I had never seen in water media. As if that weren’t enough, I realized that some of the best ideas I ever had for a painting, Wayne Roberts had already done! And done so well, there was no point in my even trying. I started referring to him as The World’s Most Dangerous Man With a Brush.

How does he do it? I believe that artists of this caliber are born, not made. However, something more has to account for this kind of genius. Wayne’s deep interest in science, mathematics, medicine, and music keeps his mind in a constant state of assimilation and heightened awareness, which at any moment might channel a thought or emotion through the pen, the violin, or the paintbrush. Wayne’s insatiable curiosity about the world is reflected in his paintings, which deal with concepts of the large and small; the dark and light; the celestial and terrestrial; the spiritual and physical. As a musician myself, I was fascinated to learn that Wayne has devoted years to an ever-evolving work, The Principles of Nature, which, based on my understanding, is a sort of Unification Theory combining the mysteries of music and visual art through scientific analysis. This is something that has occupied my mind for many years, but I didn’t have the slightest notion how to go about organizing or expressing it. This type of monumental work is best left to the bona fide Renaissance Men of the world. Wayne Roberts is such a person, and I feel truly privileged to behold his many astonishing and unique talents.

For information regarding subscription email Sonia Seince at s.seince@megastar.fr

See the No. 1 issue July-September post.

Seneffe, Belgium Exhibition

I'm privileged to be exhibiting next month in the Seneffe, Belgium watercolor expo. Janine Gallizia, Joseph Zbukvic, Xavier Swolfs, Marc Folly and Stéphane Heurion will be participating, and I'm going over to meet them for the opening, October 16. The show runs through October 25, during which time I'll be going to Spain to meet with many friends from the Hispacuarela website, as well as doing research for a commission. I can't wait!

However, a few folks are bound to be less than enthusiastic about my involvement in this exhibition, as you'll see by clicking on the video below! Hope you enjoy it, feel free to rate and comment. :)

Katherine's World

Quite possibly the best part of the artistic life is the people you meet along the way. The shared interest in beauty and bringing beauty into the world, forges friendships that last among those who are true to the calling. Nobody knows this better than Katherine Lollar Rowland, a woman whose life has been dedicated to art, artists, and a search for the answer to the question of "Who am I?"

I'm so happy to have reconnected with Katherine after many years, and very touched to be remembered in her new book, Katherine's World.

This follows her 2006 memoir, A Painter and His Wife, which chronicled her life with her husband, Elden Rowland, and his pursuit to become a fine artist -- which he achieved with Katherine loyally at his side, and in a way that would be impossible to do in this day and age. I soaked that story up, as I learned so much about their inspiring saga, and it made numerous references to the burgeoning art community of Sarasota, Florida, starting in the 1940s.

The new work is an answered prayer for me, documenting the history and notable people connected with the Sarasota scene, particularly through and beyond the period when it was responsible for my own entrance into the painting world.

Katherine's expert running of the Hilton Leech Studio and formation of the Friends of the Two Arts and Sciences in Sarasota attracted renowned artists and photographers, among others, to visit, teach, and host a number of expeditions to adventurous ports of call. It would be no exaggeration to say that without Katherine's influence and organizational talents, I might never have picked up a brush; the Leech Studio is where I first encountered my most important painting mentors, Valfred Thëlin* and Barbara Nechis. I enrolled in workshops, won my first awards there, and took part in the Two Arts trip to Nova Scotia and Maine.

Katherine's World brings all of this together, and brings back cherished memories for me and countless others. A significant portion of the book is devoted not only to artists and photographers I knew or know -- Valfred, Barbara, Pete Carmichael, Margarette Mead, Nicholas Reale, Frank Webb, and Shirley Hummel, to name several, but a host of others I had heard of and learned about: Jerry Farnsworth, Dorothy and Hilton Leech, Bruce McGrew (whose outstanding watercolor graces the cover), Robert Sisson, Marc Moon, Judi Betts, et al.

In addition, the book delves into more history about Katherine's ancestry, the Shakers, her present extended family, and includes a selection of her glorious photographs and poems. The layout of the book is simply stunning, as are the reproductions. Highly recommended! See Katherine's website for information about ordering.

Katherine will turn 91 this month, and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down!

* * * * *

On page 66 is a full-page reproduction (in perfect color, thank you!) of me with my painting Summer Sonata.

On the facing page is one of my favorite photographs of Valfred, his gal Deidre, Shirley Hummel, and myself on a boat to Monhegan Island, experiencing some rough seas!

On page 64 Katherine wrote:

Since the Down East group was from Florida, most of our participants were from mid-to-retirement age. But there was one younger participant. Nicholas Simmons, a young musician from Iowa had seen Val's work in Sarasota and been so inspired by it, and Val's personality, that he added watercolor painting to his activities. Since that time, he's made steady progress with his painting and in 2007 his powerful "Fresh Sushi" won top award in the National Watercolor Society's Annual Exhibition, one of many honors he has acquired. He lives in the Washington, D.C., area of Maryland, and is married to Olga, from Ukraine, with whom he fell in love on a trip to Russia. They have a daughter, Larissa.

Thank you, Katherine, and when might we expect Vol. III?!

Katherine Lollar Rowland website.

Katherine Lollar Rowland Facebook page.

* I wrote a tribute to Valfred Thëlin in December of 2007, which can be seen here. Please read the Comments section and look for Katherine's contribution.

RM1

RM1 - 17" x 29"

Key To The Highway

The Big Bill Broonzy/Charles Segar blues classic, covered by everyone and his dog. I recorded this a long time ago, and I still like it - the solo is killin'! I put some old photos to it, in sepia, and added the film grain. And the vocal? Your's truly....believe it or not. Hope you enjoy it!

Saving Face

Thought I had deleted the Facebook account months ago, but apparently it only deactivates - until you get shamed into starting it up again. That place is an addictive time-waster, but I have found some long lost friends, and that has been a nice surprise. I probably won't be putting much art on there, leaving that for the website and blog.

Nicholas Simmons Facebook page

If you're on the Book, gimme a look!

"Innovative Watermedia" DVD On Sale!

Creative Catalyst Productions is offering a great sale price on my Innovative Watermedia DVD, celebrating the recent PWS award. See more on the CCP blog here.

If you are interested in more information about the DVD, or want to order, please use this link.

Thanks again to the great people at CCP, and thanks to all who have purchased the DVD and given us such wonderful feedback!

Why Spanish People Rule!

Down? Blue? Worried about the economy? Wondering what kind of world you brought your children into? Wishing Sarah Palin would just go away...forever and ever?

I know.

This fantastic song will cure what ails you, even if it gives you the bilirrubina! Keep your eye on the background singers - that's how I want to dance, and I'm learning how. That's all I want to do, and I'll be happy. Muy muy feliz!

PWS Gold Medal 2009

Nassau #4: Bay St. Girl - 38" x 38" (97 x 97 cm)

I learned this week from Debi Watson that this painting won the 30th annual Pennsylvania Watercolor Society exhibition, which is a major show with international entries. I got the same award last year for Tokyo Express, so I'm very surprised and of course very honored. There is some fantastic work represented: John Salminen (2nd), George James (3rd), and a number of other name painters. Carol Pickle, one of my favorite artists, judge.

The opening and awards are tomorrow at Goggleworks, a totally boss art center in Reading, PA.

PART II

The opening at Goggleworks was very well-attended, there must have been hundreds of people going through the Cohen Gallery and the rest of the complex. This show has a lot of outstanding work, I saw other paintings by Denny Bond, Dottie Burton, Jeanne Dobie, Z.L. Feng, Andrew Kish, Chris Krupinski, Jean Uhl Spicer (judge 2008), Mel Stabin, James Toogood, Patrick Varriano, and many other noted watercolorists -- too many names to list. Bay St. Girl is hanging at the entrance of Goggleworks, a nice location! Thanks again to PWS, Pat Cook (juror of selection), and Carole Pickle (juror of awards). The show hangs until September 11.

"Virtuoso Guitar Duos" Released!!!

August 1 is always a special date, being Tommy Bolin's birthday. I was invited by Johnnie Bolin to play the annual Tommy Bolin Fest in Sioux City which takes place today, but couldn't make it out there, and really wanted to be here for the release party of Manuel Barrueco's new CD, Virtuoso Guitar Duos. This spectacular recording also features young Italian superstar, Franco Platino. I'm very honored to have been asked by Manuel to do the cover of the CD, and we ended up using a painting of mine, La Vida Breve. I thought designing it around a mirror image of the painting would be appropriate for the duo concept, and I'm quite proud of the result. Even more so, as Manuel and Franco play a new arrangement of de Falla's La Vida Breve on the recording!

The party is today at Manuel's house, and among the guests will be some of the best young classical guitar virtuosos in the world - many of whom are or have been students of Manuel. As the guitar has been the major force in my creative life, and Manuel its acknowledged classical master of the modern era, you can imagine how thrilled I am.

Thank you, Manuel and Asgerdur. Abrazos!

The new CD is available here.

See the extensive (and autobiographical) post I made about Manuel a few months ago here.

Manuel.....Tommy.....what a day! I'll post some photos here tomorrow.

PART II

Well, it was everything I could have dreamed of and more. About 25 people arrived at Manuel and Asgerdur's house at 4:00, and I was the last to leave at 1 AM! Fantastic food, endless wine and champagne, heartfelt toasts, and a number of the best contemporary classical guitarists, from all corners of the globe. I would list the names, but I'd forget someone, and a few will soon be making appearances in this blog. And of course with Manuel himself, it really was Ground Zero of the classical guitar world. It was a beautiful evening, and eventually we all congregated outside on the deck overlooking the swimming pool and grounds of Casa Barrueco. There we were regaled with stories told by a humble and charming raconteur, the man who has brought unprecedented joy, inspiration, and wonder into our lives. I made a lot of friends last night, and realize the unique circumstances of our meeting created a bond that will never be broken.

Franco Platino, Manuel Barrueco, Nick

Creativity Workshop Winners

Congratulations to Elise Beattie and Kris Storey, and I'm very happy my June 2009 article in Watercolor Artist magazine generated some great ideas. Thanks to Sarah Strickley for working with me, and you can read more about this on the WA site.

"l' Art de l' Aquarelle"

A new French watercolor magazine, L' Art de l'Aquarelle, has just published its first issue, and I have an 8-page spread, with 6 full-page reproductions (first two pages shown below). This magazine spotlights the best watercolorists in Europe, so of course it features my friends Janine Gallizia and Joseph Zbukvic (cover), and another euro star whose work I love, Gottfried Salzmann. There is one other American in this issue - some guy named Andrew Wyeth! I have to say, it is a gorgeous magazine, printed on heavy glossy stock and loaded with articles and fabulous pictures. I believe the next issue will feature the great Wayne Roberts. After that, Guan Wei Xing. Where do you go from there???!!!

For information regarding obtaining this magazine, please email: redaction@lartdelaquarelle.com

Ni Ko La Shi

A friend of mine recently returned from China and brought back this for me. I've always wanted to have a "chop" made, but never got around to it. I believe it is carved from soapstone, and when it was made, an onlooker read it as "Nicholas" so I guess it's authentic! Ong Kim Seng read it to me as Ni-Ko-La-Shi. It was a timely, even clairvoyant, gift. More on that soon!

Bloomberg.com

Thanks to Brian McGee for the reference and link in his Bloomberg.com article today about the Sorolla exhibition in Madrid.

Kanji #2

Kanji #2

This one is based on the first in the series, but distorted and cropped to fit the different format. It seemed the bamboo didn't really need to be "painted" and the whites (all whites are the paper) balanced the design. Da Vinci on Fabriano hot press, 31" x 44" (79 x 112 cm).

Sorolla Video

Here is a very good 15 minute video of the current Sorolla retrospective at the Prado, with subtitled comments by the curators. I wish I could see this show! Thanks to Iain Vellacott for putting the link on his blog.

The exhibition catalog is available here.

From Odessa With Love

Larissa and Olga are spending the summer on the Black Sea. Thanks to Skype, I almost feel as though I'm there. Well OK, not even close.....but it's better than nothing!

женщина в беседке

Which translates roughly to "woman in arbor." This is a collage of two paintings which I made into a giclée. The image is 30" x 30" on Hahnemuhle paper.

We Miss You Randy

Randy Kentfield
November 26, 1952 - June 20, 1989

Life hasn't been the same, and nowhere near as funny. We still idolize you, marvel at your brilliance, and think of you everyday. Yes, you were right - reflection is not as painful as it was, but the void has never been filled, and never will be.

By a departing light

We see acuter, quite

Than by a wick that stays.

There's something in the flight

That clarifies the sight

And decks the rays.

-Emily Dickinson

Kanji #1

Kanji #1 - 24" x 56"

I'm still intrigued with the Japanese and Chinese characters, this time distorted to fit into a horizontal format. All whites are the paper, Da Vinci on Fabriano 140# hot press.

Framed 28" x 60" - sorry for the reflections

Thanks to everyone who participated in the workshop at VisArts in Rockville! I think I'll be doing more there in the fall and next spring, details here and on my website when available.

Economic Crisis?

Even though I don't have to buy paint anymore, I still hate to waste a single drop. I've been cutting tubes and bottles open for years, and when Da Vinci Paint learned that...well, see for yourself. Best artist quality colors, and they blow everyone away on price!

I have a 3-day workshop starting tomorrow at the gorgeous new VisArts center in Rockville, and Da Vinci is once again giving free samples of their fabulous fluid acrylic to everyone. Thanks Marcello!

Windows Vista

The two most dreaded words in computerdom. It has put me largely out of cyberaction for the past 6 weeks, might have to finally bite the bullet and go for the Mac. (sorry Maddox!)

American Contemporary Gallery

I'm sorry to say the new American Contemporary Gallery in Annapolis closed its doors after the March exhibition. I learned about the gallery when Carol Carter showed there, and I was scheduled for this month. John Bodkin opened ACG in November, and it was certainly one of the coolest places in the DC area, and he's one of the coolest guys I've met in this business. I believe he's planning to reopen when the economy improves, and in the meantime will be occupied with other art projects. We wish him luck and look forward to his return!

In the photo are John and my wife Olga at the opening of the March show.

Sorolla - Prado

Approximately 100 paintings of Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (1863-1923) will make up a major exhibition at the Prado in Madrid, May 26 - September 6.

Sorolla is one of my all-time favorite painters - with a style of bravura brushwork unmatched, he created wondrous moments like Just Out of the Sea, captured glorious light in scenes such as Sewing the Sail and Lunch on the Boat, but also depicted pathos in paintings like the devastating Sad Inheritance.

There's not a show I'd rather see of any artist, anywhere. (Alex Kanevsky's new work at J. Cacciola Gallery would be second on the list!)

Also, visit Museo Sorolla here.

Watercolor Artist Magazine - June 2009

I have an article in the Creativity Workshop of the latest Watercolor Artist magazine.

Most artists I've encountered have at least some experience using the computer and programs such as Photoshop, typically working with reference photographs in preparation for a painting. The article deals with using Photoshop to progressively alter not a photograph, but rather a painting, to generate new variations and abstractions. It is another way of extracting more material from an idea, and an interesting collaboration between man and machine. I started with a piece from a couple years ago, La Falda Leventada (see pic from first page), and explained the evolution of subsequent paintings via Photoshop filters and cropping.

(I see DaVinci is giving a free triad sample of watercolors with subscriptions)

Thanks to the twenty people from the Cape Artists in Lewes, Delaware, who attended the workshop last week. I had a blast, and I hope to return sometime! (yes, I made it to the gallery in Ocean View, 5 mins before they closed)

Learning To Live Again

This is an original song I wrote in the 90s, and the lyric is by a friend of mine, Nick Palmieri. The singer is Venetta Smith, a gospel powerhouse who can can do some serious sermonizing on the blues, as you'll hear. Tenor star Richard Elliot trades licks with both of us. Ruben Drake on bass, Ron and Dave Reinhardt on Hammond B3 and drums. I did all guitar work and arrangement, I think it's one of my best tracks. Recorded at Morrisound in Tampa. Crank this one, louder the better!

Charito

While on the ship, I had some time to put a few pics together with original music. This piece is a S. American-style acoustic guitar thing, all instruments and arranging by me. Most of the soloing is improvised, played on a Takamine LTD-92. Muchas gracias to Charo Vargas for the inspiration!